g-man
SILVER Star
You don't need a calculator to take the Tech exam. I'm not sure you're looking at good information.
I'm going by this study info: Technician Class License Prep • AmateurRadio.com
It is detailed in that it goes into every possible exam question and answer but not so detailed as to give a lot of background knowledge. Just briefly explains the questions and possible answers and keys in on helpful ways to memorize some answers.
Check out lesson 16. Math for electronics
Radio operators are responsible for the signals they transmit and the potential interference those signals may cause. You need an understanding of how radios and receivers work to be able to do that.
This is true however the FCC regulations portion would cover answers to this. Gladly would want to study "rules of the road" so to speak.
This statement says to me that you are looking at Amateur Radio (ham radio) from only your personal use perspective. You don't appear to have an understanding of the full scope of the hobby. Amateur Radio is not just people sitting in their house trying to talk to someone a long distance away. Amateur Radio is not just home stations, mobile, handheld, and repeaters. These radios can be used to control remote equipment, to send and receive data, they can be integrated with Global Positioning Systems, they can be used as beacons for navigation, they can assist with search and rescue operations, and a myriad of other things. Related technology was the basis for Bluetooth, wireless connectivity, and cellular voice and data networks. The Technician License is a minimum barrier for entry. More advanced licences allow for greater access to bands and greater ability to experiment.
This is true. I DON'T really want to be a ham radio operator. I am being forced to take the test if I want to use the most useful radio for my intended purpose. I don't really care that others use this type of radio for all other things. They're probably not going to be on the same bandwidth anyway. Do I need to know all aspects of a tractor trailer because I share the road with them when I'm driving??
True that I don't have a full scope of the hobby nor do I really want to know the history and every other aspect of radio operations.
I do only want the radio for my intended use. I don't want to be a "ham" radio guy. Your response seems to fall into the "yes man" category.
"it's just the way it's always been and has worked well" is a typical good ole boy response. Nothing will ever be improved if you accept this mentality.
Why not limit a "trail users" radio to say the 2meter band and handful of frequencies on those bands. Then pre-program radios to be sold specifically for trail or road use much like a CB. Then have a smaller scope of test knowledge based on FCC rules and use of those bands. I guess that would just make too much sense.
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